MANILA — Actor Dennis Trillo expressed openness to reconciling with Patrick Garcia, saying everyone deserves a second chance and an opportunity to change.
"Lahat ng tao puwede bigyan ng second chance. Kahit noon pa, kahit gaano ka pa grabe iyong mga nagawa niya. Tao lang tayo. Lahat tayo tingin ko may karapatan… pwede natin bigyan ng chance bawat isa para mag bago," Trillo said in an interview on the sidelines of the Golden Screen Awards Dekada Awards 2026 in Pasig City on Sunday.
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He added that they have not closed the door on Garcia seeing Jazz, his son with Jennylyn Mercado.
"Sa totoo lang? Walang problema. Ngayon mas mahirap lang dahil may ganyan. Lahat to madadaan sa mabuting usapan," he said.
Trillo admitted his family was surprised by Garcia's interview with Ogie Diaz, where Garcia shared his side on the breakup with Mercado.
He said he wished Garcia had addressed his concerns with them directly, believing it could have prevented the current fallout.
"Kung dumiretso siya sana amin, hindi na sana dinaan sa ibang tao," he said. "Nagulat. Dahil more than twenty, 18 years bago nagsalita, kwento. Nakakagulat lang dahil tahimik na lahat. Siyempre naungkat pa mga dati."
Trillo also appealed to the public to stop bashing the children, stressing that they should not be dragged into issues involving their parents.
"Hiling namin sana matapos na ng pang-bash. Ayaw natin noon. Oo, magulang involved dito pero wag na natin involve mga bata. At the end of the day, sila buhay natin, prinoprotektahan natin, sila mga mahal natin. Ayaw natin masangkot pa sila sa gantong kaguluhan," he said.
Trillo also emphasized his responsibility to protect his family amid the controversy. According to the "Green Bones" actor, he took the initiative to speak on behalf of Mercado and his stepson.
"Ako na lang talaga kasi siyempre pamilya ko iyon. Walang ibang magtatangol. Iyon ang pangunahing responsibilidad ko bilang ama, tumatayong tatay. Gagawin mo lahat para protektahan sila at all costs," he explained.
"Well, kailangan mo maging matibay. Isipin mo lagi pamilya. Sila importante. Harapin dapat ng matapang, pamilya kasi usapan."
Trillo also thanked those who have expressed support for his family.
"Hindi maiwasan ganto… Thankful na maraming nagtatanggol sa amin at sumusuporta," he said.
Asked how Mercado and Jazz were doing, Trillo said they were carrying on with their usual activities.
"OK naman, tahimik. Kanina nag lunch out kami magkakasama," he said.
READ: Becky Aguila slams Patrick Garcia over tell-all interview
Trillo also addressed his earlier reaction involving Gelli de Belen's statements on "Chika Cart," clarifying that he does not harbor anger toward anyone.
"Wala akong ramdam na galit kahit kanino. Initial na reaksyon lang yun ng isang tatay na nagtatangol sa pamilya. Isang tatay na umiiwas [madagdagan] trauma. Andoon ako para harangin yun. Para hindi madagdagan," he said.
The program has since released a statement to clarify they were not taking sides and meant no disrespect.
"Mabuti naman kung walang kinakampihan. Yan role ng host maging neutral patas at alamin side ng lahat," Trillo said.
Trillo took home two "Best Actor" trophies at the Golden Screen Dekada Awards 2026 for his performances in "Green Bones" and "Felix Manalo."